Joe Manchin hits the road to ‘save the nation’ amid 2024 speculation
Fresh off his announcement that he wouldn’t seek a third term in his coveted Senate seat next year, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) is taking his show on the road.
Manchin, who was widely viewed as the most vulnerable incumbent in the Senate this cycle, said on Thursday that he would travel the country in hopes of unifying the nation’s divided political wings instead of running for reelection. That decision, which followed months of speculation about Manchin’s political future, prompted fresh questions about the possibility of his 2024 plans including a presidential bid.
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The West Virginia Democrat wasted no time adding fuel to that fire, appearing at an event focused on political civility in the swing state of Georgia on Friday.
The event was organized to celebrate the launch of the University of Georgia’s Isakson Symposium on Political Civility, named for the late Sen. Johnny Isakson, a Republican with a bipartisan legacy.
Manchin and former GOP Sen. Roy Blunt praised Isakson’s commitment to reaching across the aisle and searching for common political ground, something the outgoing senator has cited as a reason to bow out of what would’ve been an expensive and competitive reelection bid.
“I didn’t get involved in politics because of party affiliation,” he said at the event. “I got involved in the political process because I wanted to change things and do things. In our system of government, in our democracy, you have a duopoly, so you only have two paths really.”
Manchin demurred when asked on stage about what his decision to not run for reelection meant for his 2024 plans, though he said in an interview afterward that “I’m so concerned about our country, my quest is: How do we save the nation? Whether it’s me or anybody else, how do we get involved? Don’t get pushed to the far left or the far right. Don’t let hatred infiltrate.”
“It will not change in Washington,” he continued. “If you want a change, it’s going to change here in Georgia, in Athens, and everywhere else in America.”
The speech and Manchin’s subsequent comments indicate that he does not appear to be leaving political life, even if he is walking away from his Senate seat. Manchin has fiercely defended plans from the centrist group No Labels to create a third-party presidential ticket amid sustained speculation that he could be their nominee.
Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a centrist Republican, said early Thursday that No Labels would reach a decision about running someone in the 2024 contest around Super Tuesday, which takes place on March 5.
For its part, No Labels praised Manchin as a “tireless voice for America’s commonsense majority” in reaction to his Thursday announcement.
“Regarding our No Labels Unity presidential ticket, we are gathering input from our members across the country to understand the kind of leaders they would like to see in the White House,” it continued. “As we have said from the beginning, we will make a decision by early 2024 about whether we will nominate a Unity presidential ticket and who will be on it.”
Manchin has been associated with No Labels for over a decade. Those ties are not as easily documented because the group operates as a nonprofit rather than a standard political party, allowing for them to not disclose their donor network.
Still, the group is currently working on getting on the ballot in a dozen states. Democrats have largely slammed the effort, arguing a bipartisan ticket would likely hand the 2024 race to former President Donald Trump. Manchin and No Labels have separately said that they would not take any actions that return Trump to the White House.
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How can politicians, like Manchin, set an example for others to prioritize working together over partisan victories
T to change the dynamics of Washington, we have to change the dynamics of the country. And how do you do that? You get involved in the states and you start making changes.”
Manchin’s decision to hit the road and focus on bridging the political divide comes at a critical moment in American politics. The nation is grappling with deep divisions, with partisanship and polarization reaching unprecedented levels. Political leaders are struggling to find common ground on a wide range of issues, from infrastructure to climate change to healthcare. The need for political civility and cooperation has never been more apparent.
In recent years, Manchin has emerged as a key figure in bridging this divide. His willingness to work across party lines and find bipartisan solutions has earned him both praise and criticism from both sides of the aisle. Some view him as a principled moderate who is willing to put the needs of the country above party loyalty, while others see him as an obstacle to progressive change.
Regardless of the differing opinions, Manchin’s decision to travel the country and focus on unifying the nation’s political wings is a commendable one. By bringing attention to the importance of political civility and cooperation, he is setting an example for other politicians and encouraging them to follow suit.
Manchin’s appearance at the event in Georgia, alongside former GOP Senator Roy Blunt, underscores the need for politicians from both parties to come together for the greater good. It serves as a reminder that there are still politicians who prioritize working together over the pursuit of partisan victories.
While Manchin’s decision not to seek reelection may be disappointing to some, it also opens up new opportunities for him to make a difference on a national scale. Speculation about his 2024 plans, including a potential presidential bid, is only natural given his high profile and his demonstrated ability to reach across the aisle.
However, Manchin’s focus on saving the nation and avoiding the extremes of both the left and the right is what truly sets him apart. In a political climate dominated by division and polarization, his commitment to finding common ground is refreshing.
As Manchin travels the country and continues to promote political civility, it is my hope that other politicians will take note and follow his lead. The nation is in dire need of leaders who are willing to set aside partisan differences and work together for the betterment of the country.
Manchin’s retirement from the Senate may mark the end of an era, but it also presents an opportunity for a new generation of leaders to step up and carry the torch of political civility and cooperation. Only by working together can we overcome the challenges facing our nation and build a brighter future for all Americans.
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